Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Heart failure occurs as a result of the heart's decreased pumping power, which results in the body not getting enough oxygen. The Joint Commission and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services agree on specific measures performed by your hospital which can improve the outcomes of a person suffering heart failure.Your hospital and/or physician will determine which treatments and medications are appropriate to improve your outcome.

Measure: Discharge Instructions (Percent of heart failure patients receiving discharge instructions)
Because heart failure is a chronic condition, it is important for patients to receive instructions to manage their condition after leaving the hospital.

Discharge instructions should include the following information:

Diet

Medications

Daily weight monitoring

Level of activity that can be performed

Follow-up appointments with your physician

What to do if the symptoms worsen.

Measure: Evaluation of LVS (Left Ventricular Systolic) Function (Percent of heart failure patients given an evaluation of LVS Function
LVS function determines the pumping power of the left side of the heart. This evaluation should be performed prior to, during or soon after hospitalization. This test assists your physician in the management of your condition.

Measure: ACEI or ARB for LVSD(Percent of heart failure patients given ACE inhibitor or ARB for LVSD)
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs may be used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions including heart failure, particularly in patients with decreased left-sided heart function. Early treatment with these drugs may reduce the risk of death from future heart attacks.

Measure: Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling (Percent of heart failure patients given smoking cessation counseling)
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. Stopping smoking reduces the risk of death or illness for patients who have already experienced a heart attack. Patients who receive smoking-cessation advice from their care providers are more likely to quit.